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Ulusal Travma Ve Acil Cerrahi Dergisi =... Oct 2023The percentage of e-scooter use quickly escalated in our community due to its convenience, low cost, and eases of use. The number of accidents causing high-energy...
BACKGROUND
The percentage of e-scooter use quickly escalated in our community due to its convenience, low cost, and eases of use. The number of accidents causing high-energy traumas has also increased. This study aims to describe the demographic char-acteristics and fracture patterns of patients admitted to the emergency department following an e-scooter accident and to identify common, correctable factors that increased the likelihood of accidents.
METHODS
Between January 2022 and August 2022, 43 patients (20 females and 23 males) who were admitted to the emergency department after an e-scooter accident and developed extremity fractures were included. The patients were divided into 2 groups those treated surgically and conservatively. Parameters such as the time of the accident, education level of the user, alcohol use, e-scooter malfunction, and compliance with traffic rules were evaluated.
RESULTS
Accidents that led to treatment by surgery mostly occurred between 11 pm and 7 am. Surgically treated patients were mostly high school graduates. Alcohol use and recreational scooter use rates were statistically higher in the operated patients when compared to patients who were treated conservatively. The number of patients who reported a malfunction in the e-scooter was significantly lower in the operated group than in the conservative group. The rates of accidents due to non-compliance with traffic laws, driving at full speed of the e-scooter, use on the driveway, and presence of wet ground at the time of the accident were higher in the surgically treated patient group. Surgically treated patients also had a higher rate of being 1st time e-scooter users.
CONCLUSION
Although governments have introduced many regulations regarding e-scooter use, the current situation seems insufficient in solving the problem. E-scooter users should be further educated about the associated risks. Authorities should tighten their supervision of scooter rental companies and drivers. Nighttime usage conditions should be reviewed, and the use of alcohol should be controlled. The use of helmets should be mandatory. If such regulations are tightened, accident rates can be reduced or high-energy impacts from existing accidents can be avoided. The results suggest that experienced, slow, non-alcoholic, and rule-abiding drivers require less operative treatment. This article will hopefully raise awareness and improve e-scooter regulations.
Topics: Male; Female; Humans; Accidents, Traffic; Dreams; Accidents; Fractures, Bone; Hospitalization; Emergency Service, Hospital; Retrospective Studies; Head Protective Devices
PubMed: 37791439
DOI: 10.14744/tjtes.2023.35848 -
F1000Research 2023Road accidents claim around 1.35 million lives annually, with countries like India facing a significant impact. In 2019, India reported 449,002 road accidents, causing...
Road accidents claim around 1.35 million lives annually, with countries like India facing a significant impact. In 2019, India reported 449,002 road accidents, causing 151,113 deaths and 451,361 injuries. Accident severity modeling helps understand contributing factors and develop preventive strategies. AI models, such as random forest, offer adaptability and higher predictive accuracy compared to traditional statistical models. This study aims to develop a predictive model for traffic accident severity on Indian highways using the random forest algorithm. A multi-step methodology was employed, involving data collection and preparation, feature selection, training a random forest model, tuning parameters, and evaluating the model using accuracy and F1 score. Data sources included MoRTH and NHAI. The classification model had hyperparameters 'max depth': 10, 'max features': 'sqrt', and 'n estimators': 100. The model achieved an overall accuracy of 67% and a weighted average F1-score of 0.64 on the training set, with a macro average F1-score of 0.53. Using grid search, a random forest Classifier was fitted with optimal parameters, resulting in 41.47% accuracy on test data. The random forest classifier model predicted traffic accident severity with 67% accuracy on the training set and 41.47% on the test set, suggesting possible bias or imbalance in the dataset. No clear patterns were found between the day of the week and accident occurrence or severity. Performance can be improved by addressing dataset imbalance and refining model hyperparameters. The model often underestimated accident severity, highlighting the influence of external factors. Adopting a sophisticated data recording system in line with MoRTH and IRC guidelines and integrating machine learning techniques can enhance road safety modeling, decision-making, and accident prevention efforts.
Topics: Random Forest; Accidents, Traffic; India
PubMed: 38221988
DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.133594.2 -
Injury Aug 2023Pelvic and acetabular fractures can result from work-related accidents and frequently require lengthy medical treatments. Consequently, high medical costs as well as...
INTRODUCTION
Pelvic and acetabular fractures can result from work-related accidents and frequently require lengthy medical treatments. Consequently, high medical costs as well as delayed or absent return to work can be the consequence. Therefore, we aimed to study the socioeconomic consequences of work-related pelvic and acetabular fractures.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
This retrospective study investigated work-related pelvic and acetabular fractures recorded in the German Social Accident Insurance in 2011 and 2017, in terms of age, sex, type of accident, duration of incapacity to work, reductions in earning capacity, costs for outpatient and inpatient treatment and costs for pension and severance pay.
RESULTS
Among a total of 606 injuries in 2011 and 619 injuries in 2017, male patients and patients between 40 and 65 years were predominantly affected. Acetabular fractures caused higher rates of long absence from work of 6-12 months (2011: 24.7% vs. 9.5-16.9%; 2017: 26.1% vs. 6.1-11.0%) and >12 months (2011: 15.8% vs. 9.8-10.2%; 2017: 13.3% vs. 1.9-8.2%) as well as more cases with a reduction in earning capacity of at least 20% (2011: 61 vs. ≤27 cases; 2017: 39 vs. ≤12 cases) compared to pelvic ring fractures. The total costs for pelvic ring and acetabular fractures in the German social accident insurances amounted € 18,726,630 and € 9637,189 in the periods 2011-2020 and 2017-2020, respectively. The average costs per case for treatment and rehabilitation until 2020 was € 19,079 for injuries from 2011 and € 13,629 for injuries from 2017. Acetabular fractures were found to be the most cost-intensive injuries compared to anterior, posterior or complex pelvic ring fractures.
CONCLUSIONS
Work-related pelvic and especially acetabular fractures have a considerable socioeconomic impact in the German Social Accident Insurance. Measures to prevent work-related accidents and to improve treatment of pelvic injuries can help to reduce their socioeconomic burden.
Topics: Humans; Male; Insurance, Accident; Acetabulum; Retrospective Studies; Hip Fractures; Fractures, Bone; Spinal Fractures; Pelvic Bones; Accidents; Socioeconomic Factors
PubMed: 37258403
DOI: 10.1016/j.injury.2023.110848 -
Medicine, Science, and the Law Oct 2023Although it is known that elderly pedestrians are at increased risk of injury and death from vehicle crashes the specific pattern of lethal injuries related to age has...
Although it is known that elderly pedestrians are at increased risk of injury and death from vehicle crashes the specific pattern of lethal injuries related to age has not been extensively studied. Data on the numbers of pedestrian fatalities and ages were obtained from 1990 to 2020 from the Traffic Accident Reporting System, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia and detailed autopsy data on fatal pedestrian crashes from the pathology database at Forensic Science SA, Adelaide, South Australia from 2000 to 2020. Fatal injuries were separated into the following regions: head/face, spine, chest, abdomen and limbs/skeleton. Analysis of 634 cases of pedestrian fatalities (1990-2020) showed a significant decline in numbers over the years ( < 0.001). Analysis of fatal injuries in 219 cases (2000-2020) showed a significant reduction in the proportion of fatal head injuries with increasing age ( < 0.05), a significant increase in the proportion of fatal chest injuries with increasing age ( < 0.01) and a significant increase in the proportion of fatal limb/skeletal injuries with increasing age ( < 0.05). Older pedestrians are, therefore, more likely to sustain lethal chest and limb/skeletal injuries than head injuries compared to those who are younger, presumably due to greater physical fragility that occurs with age, with loss of protective muscle bulk and bone density.
Topics: Humans; Aged; Pedestrians; Accidents, Traffic; Craniocerebral Trauma; Thoracic Injuries; Autopsy; Wounds and Injuries
PubMed: 36474413
DOI: 10.1177/00258024221143968 -
Unfallchirurgie (Heidelberg, Germany) Aug 2023Due to a constantly increasing life expectancy and the need to stay mobile at a high age, the proportion of over 65-year-olds in traffic accidents is increasing from... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Due to a constantly increasing life expectancy and the need to stay mobile at a high age, the proportion of over 65-year-olds in traffic accidents is increasing from year to year.
METHOD
In order to identify potentials for increasing the safety of seniors in road traffic, accident data were analyzed with respect to the categories of road users and accident types of this age group. Based on the accident data analysis, active and passive safety systems are described that could increase the road safety particular for senior citizens.
RESULTS
It was found that older road users are frequently involved in accidents as car occupants, cyclists and pedestrians. In addition, car drivers and cyclists aged 65 years and older are frequently involved in driving, turning and crossing accidents. Lane departure warning and emergency braking assistants have a high potential for accident avoidance as they can defuse critical situations at the last moment. Restraint systems (airbags, seat belts) adapted to physical characteristics could minimize the severity of injuries to older car occupants.
Topics: Accidents, Traffic; Durable Medical Equipment; Restraint, Physical; Seat Belts; Humans; Aged
PubMed: 37273117
DOI: 10.1007/s00113-023-01322-z -
Accident; Analysis and Prevention Nov 2023Transportation-related harms have developed into a social disease, threatening public safety and health in China. We aimed to increase the global understanding of... (Review)
Review
Transportation-related harms have developed into a social disease, threatening public safety and health in China. We aimed to increase the global understanding of traffic safety and public health in China from past knowledge, current status, and future directions by collecting, collating, and analyzing the Chinese traffic incidents reported in the published literature. A systematic search of China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Weipu, and published articles referenced in PubMed, Web of Science and ProQuest between January 1, 1988 and April 30, 2023 was performed. China encountered the first recorded traffic accident as early as three thousand years ago in the Shang Dynasty. An increase in vehicle capacity and velocity increased the traffic risks during the transition from rickshaws and livestock to motor vehicles in varying traffic environments. Humans are not only the decisive factor of a large number of vehicles, traffic routes, and environmental variables, but also the victims at the end and starting point of traffic accidents. Injuries (mechanical force, burns) and diseases (traffic-related air pollution, noise) caused by traffic activities not only threaten public health, but also cause risks to safe driving. Analysis of traffic activities and biomarkers promotes the treatment of traffic injuries in ethology and medicine. China prepared for the construction of healthy transportation in the "decade of road safety" toward an estimation of worldwide road traffic injuries in 2030. Improvement of traffic safety concerning public health under the "Outline of the National Comprehensive Three-dimensional Transportation Network Planning" in China will propel the realization of worldwide traffic environmental advancement.
Topics: Humans; Accidents, Traffic; China; Health Status; Knowledge; Public Health
PubMed: 37683567
DOI: 10.1016/j.aap.2023.107272 -
Air Medical Journal 2024
Topics: Humans; Advisory Committees; Aviation; Accidents, Aviation
PubMed: 38154842
DOI: 10.1016/j.amj.2023.10.006 -
Nature Sep 2023
Topics: Animals; Accidents; Mortality; Oceans and Seas; Sharks; Ships; Whales
PubMed: 37673985
DOI: 10.1038/d41586-023-02729-9 -
Accident; Analysis and Prevention Sep 2023This study aims to compare the accident injury severity of e-bikes with that of other types of two-wheelers based on accident data and to analyze the factors influencing...
This study aims to compare the accident injury severity of e-bikes with that of other types of two-wheelers based on accident data and to analyze the factors influencing them. Using 1015 police accident records from Zhangjiakou City in 2020 and 2021, the accident injury severity of e-bikes was firstly compared with that of other two-wheelers based on five levels of accident injury severity classified according to the records. Two ordered Probit regression models were secondly used to compare the factors influencing the accident injury severity of e-bikes with that of other two-wheelers and the magnitude of their effects. At the same time, the contributions of each influential factor to the degree of accident injury of two-wheelers were estimated with the assistance of classification trees. Results show that e-bikes are closer to bicycles than motorcycles in terms of injury severities and the factors influencing them, in which the factors "accident configuration," "division of responsibility for the accident," and "collision with a heavy vehicle or four-wheeled vehicle" are significant. Based on the findings, potential measures are suggested to reduce e-bike accident casualties, such as improving rider education, ensuring speed limit enforcement, promoting safety equipment wearing, and making road design friendly to non-motorized and elderly riders. The results of this study can provide an essential reference for traffic management and rider education measures on e-bikes.
Topics: Humans; Aged; Accidents, Traffic; Bicycling; Accidental Injuries; Safety; Protective Devices; Motorcycles
PubMed: 37390750
DOI: 10.1016/j.aap.2023.107189 -
Chirurgie (Heidelberg, Germany) Aug 2023The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic resulted in many infections with the virus and sickness due to coronavirus disease 2019... (Review)
Review
[COVID-19 as an insurance case of the statutory accident insurance: occupational disease or occupational accident : Relevant knowledge for the (general and abdominal) surgeon].
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic resulted in many infections with the virus and sickness due to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Therefore, there was a dramatic increase in the number of reported and recognized occupational diseases (Berufskrankheit, BK) and occupational accidents (Arbeitsunfall, AU) at the German Social Accident Insurance Institutions (BG) and accident insurance funds (Unfallkassen).The publication aims to show the differences between BK and AU and to review the current data on occupational diseases. It deals with the definitions of BK and AU, the differences in the conditions for recognition as BK or AU. Furthermore, the claims for benefits are presented. Finally, statistical key figures of the BK according to No. 3101 and the AU are presented.Results (key points)- According to § 7 SGB VII, AU and BK are insured events of the statutory accident insurance.- In surgery, like specifically in the rest of the healthcare system, the relevance of the SARS-CoV‑2 infection with post-COVID in personnel for occupational medical prevention and as a case to be recognized by the statutory accident insurance (BK or AU) becomes clear.- Relevant for the recognition are the duration and the intensity of the contact (local proximity) and the SARS-CoV‑2 occupational health and safety rule of 20 August 2020 essentially recognizes a contact duration of at least 15 min at a spatial distance of less than 1.5-2 m (further aspects: more intensive shorter contacts, number of verifiably infected persons in the closer activity environment or the usual personal contacts, spatial situation, work route, special constellations).- No case numbers can be elicited for the detailed presentation of the surgery setting.- There are still immense problems and challenges in the assessment of COVID-19 consequences or post-COVID as occupational disease, as numerous uncertainty factors, such as insufficiently secured knowledge about the further long-term course over the years or the widely varied symptom spectrum complicates the medical assessment of the consequences of this disease.Conclusion: the SARS-CoV‑2 pandemic is a special challenge for surgery with intensive patient contact and for the entire healthcare system. This caused long-lasting changes and the adequate health care as well as insurance law processing of the (case-specific) consequences might still require considerable efforts and resources.
Topics: Humans; COVID-19; Accidents, Occupational; Insurance, Accident; SARS-CoV-2; Occupational Diseases; Surgeons
PubMed: 37266705
DOI: 10.1007/s00104-023-01892-z